Are you the type of person who meticulously plans every detail of your vacation, ensuring you get the best experience for your hard-earned dollars? Or maybe you find yourself puzzled at how quickly your travel budget seems to disappear after booking. You’re not alone, and it might surprise you to learn that your destination can significantly impact your overall expenses.
Not all cities offer the same value when it comes to accommodation factors, including luxurious amenities, impeccable service, or prime locations. This inspired us to dive into the data to uncover which cities boast the highest-rated hotels and just how much quality can cost. Join us as we explore the top U.S. cities to enjoy world-class hospitality.
The Cities With the Highest-Rated Hotels
Ready to discover where you can find the crème de la crème of hospitality across the U.S.? In this section, we’ll unveil the cities that shine the brightest when it comes to highly-rated hotels. These destinations have been chosen based on their exceptional guest reviews across booking sites.
Whether you’re planning a business trip, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, these cities offer the very best in comfort and elegance. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the U.S. cities where every stay promises to be a memorable one.
- Chicago, Illinois
- Average Hotel Rating – 8.55/10
- Chicago, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural scene, is home to the highest-rated hotels in the country. From the luxurious elegance of The Peninsula to the modern sophistication of the Langham, these hotels offer world-class amenities, impeccable service, and incredible views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Average Hotel Rating – 8.47/10
- From the historic charm of the Roosevelt Hotel to the boutique luxury of the Windsor Court, New Orleans accommodations offer unique décor and prime locations in the heart of the city. With the opportunity to explore the vibrant French Quarter and enjoy the city’s renowned cuisine, New Orleans’ top hotels provide an unforgettable experience
- Washington, D.C.
- Average Hotel Rating – 8.45/10
- The highest-rated hotels in the nation’s capital combine luxury with history. Regardless of whether you choose to stay at the opulent St. Regis or the sophisticated Four Seasons, Washington, D.C.’s lodgings ensure a stay fit for a president.
- New York, New York
- Average Hotel Rating – 8.45/10
- The City That Never Sleeps has made the top of the list for its diverse, highly-rated hotels. So, check in to legendary accommodations like the Plaza Hotel or Mandarin Oriental and take a bite of the Big Apple.
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Average Hotel Rating – 8.43/10
- Boston, a city rich in history and charm, has secured its spot among the top for its highly rated hotels. Check into the historic elegance of the Boston Harbor Hotel or the boutique luxury of the XV Beacon and immerse yourself in the heart of this storied city.
- Seattle, Washington
- Average Hotel Rating – 8.39/10
- Seattle, with its stunning natural scenery and vivacious culture, has also made the top 10. Indulge in the contemporary luxury of the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle or the chic charm of the Thompson Seattle, and experience the best this Pacific Northwest gem has to offer.
- Denver, Colorado
- Average Hotel Rating – 8.33/10
- Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, it’s no surprise that Dever’s breathtaking views come with top-rated accommodations. Check into the modern elegance of The Ritz-Carlton or the stylish comfort of the Kimpton Hotel Born, and enjoy the dynamic blend of urban sophistication and mountain charm this city offers.
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Average Hotel Rating – 8.29/10
- Although Minneapolis might not be the first vacation destination to pop into your mind, it makes sense that this Midwestern city boasts exceptional hospitality. Whether you choose the modern sophistication of Hotel Ivy or the unique charm of the Hewing Hotel, you’ll find yourself immersed in the flourishing arts scene and picturesque lakes of Minneapolis.
- Nashville, Tennssee
- Average Hotel Rating – 8.29/10
- Tied with Minneapolis is Nashville, the booming country music capital of the world. Stay at the luxurious Hermitage Hotel or the trendy Thompson Nashville to experience Southern hospitality at its finest.
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Average Hotel Rating – 8.22/10
- Casinos, buffets, magicians, drinks—what more could you possibly want? Whether you opt for the opulence of the Bellagio or the modern luxury of ARIA Resort & Casino, you’ll experience the excitement that defines the entertainment capital of the world.
The Cost of Quality
Ever paid a premium for a top-rated hotel only to find much better deals later on? You’re not alone. The reality is that the cost of quality varies significantly by where you choose to stay. Let’s dig into the top 10 U.S. cities home to hotels with the greatest price differences based on the average cost per night of hotels rated 8.5 and up and hotels rated below 8.5. Keep these rankings in mind next time you click that “book” button!
- Detroit, Michigan – 141.16%
- Average cost of hotels rated 8.5 and above – $363.81
- Average cost of hotels rated below 8.5 – $150.86
- Charlotte, North Carolina – 112.16%
- Average cost of hotels rated 8.5 and above – $267.68
- Average cost of hotels rated below 8.5 – $126.17
- Indianapolis, Indiana – 98.22%
- Average cost of hotels rated 8.5 and above – $238.98
- Average cost of hotels rated below 8.5 – $120.56
- Cincinnati, Ohio – 97.73%
- Average cost of hotels rated 8.5 and above – $240.33
- Average cost of hotels rated below 8.5 – $121.55
- Dallas, Texas – 88.28%%
- Average cost of hotels rated 8.5 and above – $216.01
- Average cost of hotels rated below 8.5 – $114.73
- Cleveland, Ohio – 86.96%
- Average cost of hotels rated 8.5 and above – $315.65
- Average cost of hotels rated below 8.5 – $168.83
- Nashville, Tennessee – 86.24%
- Average cost of hotels rated 8.5 and above – $324.75
- Average cost of hotels rated below 8.5 – $174.37
- Memphis, Tennessee – 77.19%
- Average cost of hotels rated 8.5 and above – $189.42
- Average cost of hotels rated below 8.5 – $106.91
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – 71.69%
- Average cost of hotels rated 8.5 and above – $136.13
- Average cost of hotels rated below 8.5 – $79.29
- Austin, Texas – 71.5%
- Average cost of hotels rated 8.5 and above – $202.12
- Average cost of hotels rated below 8.5 – $117.86
Cities with the Most Hotels Rated 8.5 or Higher
Looking for a city where top-rated hotels dominate the landscape? Look no further. This list highlights the U.S. cities with the highest percentage of hotels rated 8.5 and above. These destinations boast an abundance of highly-rated accommodations, ensuring a quality stay no matter where you choose to book.
- Chicago, IL
- Percentage of Hotels Rated 8.5+ – 64.18%
- Washington, DC
- Percentage of Hotels Rated 8.5+ – 58.13%
- Seattle, WA
- Percentage of Hotels Rated 8.5+ – 57.26%
- Minneapolis, MN
- Percentage of Hotels Rated 8.5+ – 57.08%
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Percentage of Hotels Rated 8.5+ – 56.25%
- Boston, MA
- Percentage of Hotels Rated 8.5+ – 54.70%
- Denver, CO
- Percentage of Hotels Rated 8.5+ – 54.55%
- Nashville, TN
- Percentage of Hotels Rated 8.5+ – 52.68%
- New York, NY
- Percentage of Hotels Rated 8.5+ – 52.32%
- New Orleans, LA
- Percentage of Hotels Rated 8.5+ – 51.91%
Cities with the Lowest Cost for 8.5+ Rated Hotels
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. In fact, some cities offer top-rated hotels at surprisingly affordable prices. In this section, we’ll explore the U.S. cities where you can find 8.5+ rated hotels without breaking the bank. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or an extended stay, these destinations provide excellent value for a high-quality experience.
- Jacksonville, FL
- Average Hotel Cost (per night) – $132.08
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Average Hotel Cost (per night) – $136.13
- Houston, TX
- Average Hotel Cost (per night) – $142.96
- San Antonio, TX
- Average Hotel Cost (per night) – $146.89
- Louisville, KY
- Average Hotel Cost (per night) – $157.40
- Portland, OR
- Average Hotel Cost (per night) – $161.55
- Minneapolis, MN
- Average Hotel Cost (per night) – $164.69
- Riverside, CA
- Average Hotel Cost (per night) – $166.22
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Average Hotel Cost (per night) – $169.68
- Phoenix, AZ
- Average Hotel Cost (per night) – $170.82
Closing Thoughts
As you can see, the quality of your stay can vary significantly depending on where you choose to go. From the historic charm of Boston to the beating pulse of New York City, the luxury of a highly-rated hotel can elevate your entire travel experience.
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Methodology
To identify the U.S. cities with the highest-rated hotels, we utilized Trivago to gather price and rating data for hotels in 50 of the largest U.S. cities. We collected ratings and prices for a 2-night stay in September 2024 (non-holiday weekend) for 2 guests in 1 room to determine the nightly cost. Hotels were sorted by proximity to the city center to ensure relevance to the actual city. We then recorded the hotel ratings (out of 10) and prices to calculate the average hotel rating and cost in each city. Additionally, we noted the number of hotels rated above 8.5 and analyzed the average cost difference between these highly-rated hotels and those rated below 8.5 to determine the price premium for higher-rated accommodations in each city.
